2 Samuel, 4

Name: 2 Samuel
Author: Author's Name
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Acknowledging Almighty Judgment Family

Ish-bosheth, Saul's son and rival to David's rule, is murdered, solidifying David's reign.

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Bible version

Death of Ish-bosheth

1 And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

2 And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:

3 And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)

4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.

6 And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

7 For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night.

8 And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.

9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:

11 How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

Commentary

2 Samuel chapter 4 is a pivotal chapter in the book of 2 Samuel. It marks the beginning of a new era in the life of David, the newly anointed king of Israel. In this chapter, we see the death of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul and the last remaining claimant to the throne of Israel. This event marks the end of the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David and the beginning of David's reign as king over all of Israel. The chapter begins with the news of Ish-bosheth's death being brought to David. David is initially shocked and saddened by the news, but he quickly realizes that this event is a sign from God that he is to be the king of Israel. He then orders the execution of the two men who killed Ish-bosheth and sets out to reclaim the throne. The chapter then moves on to the coronation of David as king of Israel. This event is marked by a great celebration and the people of Israel are united in their joy and support of David as their king. The chapter ends with David's victory over the Philistines and the establishment of his kingdom. This victory is a sign of God's favor and blessing upon David and his reign. Overall, 2 Samuel chapter 4 is an important chapter in the book of 2 Samuel. It marks the end of the civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David and the beginning of David's reign as king of Israel. It also serves as a reminder of God's favor and blessing upon David and his kingdom.